Tips for anyone who has to be non-weight bearing after an injury (as promised)

(As always, these are all things that are working and worked for me. That does not necessarily mean they will work for you. Please do not take any of these suggestions without checking with your physician. I am not a doctor. This is all just from my experience.)

Upon leaving your doctor’s office

If you know you are going to be non-weight bearing for a while, head to the nearest place to rent a wheelchair and a knee scooter. Your insurance may cover both, one or none. Get a prescription for crutches and a wheelchair. If you get customized crutches your insurance may approve, but it was faster and easier for me to just get adjustable ones from a local pharmacy.

Crutches

I hate them. They hurt, they caused me to strain my other ankle and they’re dangerous. I finally purchased cushioned pads for the top of the crutches and the part where you hold on. I really like the top cushion. The other cushions not so much. It’s more comfortable either way. They sell plain ones or stylish ones. I suggest getting these from day one if you are going to be using crutches.

Knee scooterThis little piece of equipment is a life saver. Because it’s slim, it helps to get around with ease. Except for when I fell over the handlebars. So, warning – Don’t lean too far forward and pay attention. I was going over a room divider/bump and leaning a little forward. That is not what you need when you are already in a cast, wrap or boot. Believe me!

WheelchairLife saver #2. It really makes a huge difference. I purchased two carry bags for it; one for the back and one for the side. The side carrier fits my phone, a beverage or two and has a section for money, credit cards, etc. The other bag (for the back of the chair) holds a variety of different things, even a handbag will fit, but I wouldn’t leave it unattended.

Walker with wheels

This is very good for small areas/distances. A friend loaned it to me and it helps me get around. It has a knee rest/seat that also has a place to store things. You can also sit.

CoolerMy cooler enables me to avoid movement for long periods of time. My husband and/or I get my lunch and snacks ready for the day, we put them in the cooler with ice pack and I keep it by my side. It stays cold the entire day.

In my cooler

Sandwich, fat-free milk, apple, yogurt, baby carrots, salad mix, lite-dressing, cheese stick, meal bar, healthy energy drink, protein shake, water, fruits, veggies, etc. It’s a little different every day and it’s more than I eat but I want variety to choose from and it’s easier to keep it within reach.

About Marion Licchiello Goldberg

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I am the author of three books and “Anyone Can! Live A Happier Life” is the first. HOORAY!!!! It focuses on many stories of triumph and success. It follows my life story, along with many others, to show how we all changed our lives through craziness, diversity, loss, grief, break-ups, heartache, devastation, health issues, eating disorders, abuse, addictions, and the list goes on. My second is “To Make Up or Break Up - That is the Question” and the third is “What's Your Vision - A Guide To Designing The Life of Your Dreams with Vision Boards”.
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I am very happily married. I'm blessed and fortunate and I am grateful for everything that has come into my life, good and bad. It all helps me to grow and learn.